In this clean Regency rom-com, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love—until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance.
After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she’d found her perfect match in Simon Reeves–charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel—until he vanished from her life without so much as a “farewell” or “my deepest regrets” (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson never fall for a man known for his charm.
Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband–because she’s already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?
But fate—or the misfortune of Simon’s reckless patriarchs—has other plans. Simon’s once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.
Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She’ll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic—no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.
There’s just one small the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she’s still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories–especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones–are worthy of a rewrite?
Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you’ve been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.
-
Sexual Content - 0/5
0/5
-
Violence - 0/5
0/5
-
Language - 0/5
0/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
0/5
Summary
Review by Rebecca
"Everything has changed. Please forgive me."
Emmeline Lockhart's life changed dramatically the evening that Simon Reeves left her standing alone in the garden grasping a note of apology. Instead of weeping tears of joy over an anticipated engagement, her tears indicated a wound to the heart that plunged to the very depths of her soul. Thankfully she had the foresight to cultivate a scandulous source of revenue; Emme could very well become an independent woman with a modest income and no need for a husband's support. But of course, even that plan goes terribly awry when Simon returns, now the Viscount of Ravenscross, and guarding his own plethora of secrets.
Simon Reeves is reeling from his change in circumstances; colossal debts, a crumbling estate, and three younger siblings who depend on him for everything. The only viable option demands that he marry a rich young bride, when the only woman who has ever caught his eye and captured his heart is the daughter of a country gentleman with a relatively small dowry. Emmeline Lockhart is a wildly nonsensical and unsuitable choice, aside from the fact that their eyes continue to meet across every room.
With tantalizing wit and signature way with words this author has penned a love story that exceeds all expectations both on and off the page, weaving together two hearts that groan deeply for connection in spite of the tremendous risk to reputation. Charming children bring life and laughter along with wisdom beyond their years, while their elders seem to have forgotten what a force of nature true love can really be. An inspiring new approach to Regency romance!
"It's one thing to love a women for the way she makes you feel, but it's another thing entirely to admire her for who she is."